Kepa Arrizabalaga Joins Bournemouth on Loan, Medical Tests Underway

The Spanish goalkeeper signed for Chelsea in 2018 for a whopping €80M, and still holds the transfer record as the most expensive goalkeeper.

Kepa was the number one for the first two seasons but lost his place when Edouard Mendy signed for Chelsea in the 2020/2021 season. Kepa wanted to fight for his place, but Chelsea won the Champions League and Mendy was a key player during that campaign, collecting the award for the UEFA Goalkeeper of the Year and The Best FIFA Goalkeeper of 2021.

Kepa regained his position in the 2022/2023 season when Mendy left for Saudi Arabia, but when Pochettino took over Chelsea in 2023, he was loaned to Real Madrid to be the back for the injured Courtois. Kepa started the season as the number one but was soon overtaken by Lunin, who helped Real Madrid to get to the Champions League final (Courtois was back between the posts for the final against Dortmund, which Real Madrid won).

Unfortunately, Kepa failed to live up to expectations and made too many errors during his Chelsea days. His ball playing was weak and his aerial presence during set pieces or crosses lacked confidence. Fans will also remember him for his dispute with the manager Sarri when Kepa refused to be substituted.

Kepa's worst errors

Kepa Arrizabalaga's move to Bournemouth is officially done, with the Spanish goalkeeper currently undergoing medical tests at AFC Bournemouth's ground. The deal, which sees Kepa joining the Cherries on loan until July, also includes a contract extension with Chelsea, now valid until June 2026.